Fellowship:  A Communion, A Joint Participation Or Sharing

Introduction
I. 	The term “fellowship” is often misused in the religious world generally and even among some brethren.
A. 	The religious world may use the word to indicate the relationship that is within a denomination.
B. 	Even some who claim to follow the New Testament as their rule of faith and practice may consider “fellowship” to be primarily a social rather than spiritual term.
C. 	“Fellowship halls” where the emphasis is on “fun, games and eating” are not included in the biblical concept of “fellowship.”
II. 	Our participation and relationship in this local church are the scriptural “fellowship.”
A. 	Many changes in this local work have taken place in a matter of days.
1. 	Many new communicants have chosen to become a part of this work.
2. 	Several others have obeyed the Lord through faith and obedience and are meeting with us.  
      B.  These circumstances provide wonderful opportunities for growth and development.
III. 	Our thoughts today will be directed by the scriptural passages that use the Greek term “koinonia,” which is translated “fellowship or communion” in English versions of the New Testament and to our proper relationships with one another.

Body
I. 	The Greek term, “koinonia” is used in three senses according to Thayer, a Greek lexicographer.
A. 	It is used of “The share which one has in anything, participation.”  Thayer, page 352.
1. 	The “fellowship of the Spirit,” among other spiritual things, should lead to Christians “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”  Phil. 2:1-2.
2. 	The “fellowship of the Holy Spirit” is joined with the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God” in Paul’s benediction to the Corinthians.  II Cor. 13:14.
3. 	Paul prayed that the “fellowship of your (Philemon’s) faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”     Philemon 6.
4. 	The Lord’s Supper is a sharing or communion with the body and blood of Christ.             I Cor. 10:16.
5. 	The Corinthians’ contribution for the poor saints was “fellowship” (ASV) or “participation” (NASV) with them.  II Cor. 8:4.
6. 	The gospel was the “dispensation” (ASV) or “administration” (NASV) of the mystery which had previously been “hid in God.”  Eph. 3:9.
B. 	The term is used  with respect to “intercourse, fellowship, intimacy.” Thayer, page 352.
1. 	When Paul was accepted by the apostles in Jerusalem, James, Cephas and John extended to him the “right hand of fellowship.”  Gal. 2:9.
2. 	Paul warned the Corinthians to avoid unequal yokes.  II Cor. 6:14.
3. 	The new church in Jerusalem “continued” in fellowship.  Acts 2:42.
4. 	Paul was thankful for the Philippians’ “fellowship or participation in the gospel.”       Phil. 1:5.
5. 	John desires all saints to have fellowship with him and with the Father, but stresses the need of walking in the light.  I John 1:3, 6, 7.
C. 	The term is used as “a benefaction jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution as an embodiment and proof of fellowship.”  Thayer, page 352.
1. 	Paul so uses the term to refer to the contribution for the poor saints.  II Cor. 8:4; 9:13; Rom. 15:26.

Fellowship:  A Communion, A Joint Participation, Page 2.

II. 	The fellowship which God requires includes several obligations upon each of us.
A. 	We are to be of the same mind or attitude.
1. 	There must be no divisions.  I Cor. 1:10.
2. 	Unity, without selfishness, but with humility, must cause us to regard others better than self.  Phil. 2:1-4.
3. 	Bitterness, wrath, anger and clamor must be replaced with kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness.  Eph. 4:31-32.
4. 	We must consider one another, stimulating others to love and good works.                  Heb. 10:19-24.
5. 	The Lord’s servants must avoid quarrelsomeness, but be kind, patient and gentle.          II Tim. 2:24-26.
      B.  We must hold to the teaching of Christ.
1. 	The gospel is God’s power to save.  Rom. 1:16-17.
2. 	The gospel of Christ must not be changed for the gospel of men.  Gal. 1:6-8.
3. 	Going beyond the teaching of Christ removes us from God.  II John 9-11.
C. 	We must have the same hope.
1. 	Our hope reaches beyond the present life.  I Cor. 15:19.
2. 	Hope anchors us toward heaven.  Heb. 6:17-19; 11:6.
3. 	Our hope must be continually set on Christ, our Savior.  I John 3:1-3.

Conclusion

I. 	Rejoice in the fellowship of God in Christ Jesus through the Spirit.
II. 	Love, honor and respect your brothers and sisters in this local spiritual house or family.
III. 	Do nothing that would hinder the relationship of any to the Lord.
IV. 	Join with others in this fellowship if you have never obeyed the first principles of the gospel.  Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27; Rev. 2:10b.

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   March 19, 2000